She charmed millions without ever saying a word, and managed to make fast food tacos adorable. Gidget, the Chihuahua best known for her Taco Bell ad campaign, died from a stroke on Tuesday night at age 15.

"She made so many people happy," says Gidget's trainer, Sue Chipperton. PEOPLE met both Gidget and Sue at a Hollywood animals photo shoot in February, where the pup was a consummate pro and delighted the crew with her playful nature.

The mostly retired actor lived out her days laying in the sun – "I like to joke that it's like looking after a plant," says Chipperton – and entertaining at shoots when her trainer brought her along. "Gidget," says Chipperton, "always knew where the camera was."

There's a longer story here, which notes that Gidget was best friends with Moonie, the dog who played Bruiser in the "Legally Blonde" movies; Gidget even played Bruiser's mom in the second film.

I understand that NBC is preparing a Gidget special to be hosted by Eddie from "Frasier" and featuring rare rehearsal footage of her nearly catching fire from eating a Volcano Taco. "Larry King Live" tonight will have a discussion with Eddie, Lassie, Sugar Pie, Cleo from "The People's Choice" and Don Rickles. "So You Think You Can Dance" tonight will include Nigel Lythgoe's memories of working with Gidget. The Singing Dogs plan to reunite to record a tribute single. And Joe Jackson is claiming that Gidget's death was foul play.